As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, host cities across North America are taking varied approaches to address homelessness near their stadiums, with some implementing ambitious housing programs while others rely on existing services.
In Atlanta, approximately one mile from the stadium that will host multiple World Cup matches, dozens of individuals continue to camp on downtown sidewalks awaiting shelter openings. Despite the city’s Downtown Rising initiative, which reports housing nearly 500 people since last summer, visible homelessness persists in the area.
The program represents a significant departure from Atlanta’s approach during the 1996 Olympics, when approximately 9,000 homeless individuals were relocated to detention facilities or given one-way bus tickets out of town. This time, the city has raised $185 million toward a $235 million goal, aiming to house 3,900 people citywide by next year.
Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for HOME, the organization leading Atlanta’s homelessness strategy, acknowledges the ongoing challenge. The latest city count identified approximately 2,900 homeless individuals citywide, with about one-third living in encampments or on streets.
The program has produced success stories, including Michael Sutton, 31, who spent most of the past decade in train stations, parks, and shelters after aging out of foster care. Since September, he has maintained a one-bedroom apartment in an Atlanta suburb with case worker support.
Dallas has reported more dramatic results with its $30 million campaign launched in 2024, reducing downtown street homelessness by 87 percent and placing approximately 2,000 individuals into permanent housing. An additional $28 million was allocated in March to expand the program countywide, targeting housing for 1,100 more people.
Elisabeth Jordan, founder of The Human Impact, praised the Dallas initiative while criticizing police tactics that included detaining individuals who remained after encampment clearings. The Dallas police department stated such detentions are standard practice for those violating prohibited camping laws who refuse housing offers.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson set an ambitious goal of opening 500 new shelter units before the World Cup begins. The city has fallen short, delivering only 75 tiny homes on a vacant lot several miles from the stadium. Wilson acknowledged missing the target by 425 units but indicated 228 additional beds would open by summer’s end.
The 70-square-foot units include beds, space heaters, and air conditioners. Homelessness advocates expressed satisfaction with any progress made, regardless of the World Cup deadline.
Other host cities, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Houston, Toronto, and Vancouver, are primarily relying on existing programs without new World Cup-related funding to address homelessness.
Federal data indicates homelessness increased nationally from 2023 to 2024, reaching 770,000 people before slightly decreasing to 745,652 last year. These figures are acknowledged as undercounts.
Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, noted that major events present communities with choices between removing homeless individuals through sweeps and arrests or pursuing longer-term housing solutions that benefit entire communities.
In Inglewood, California, near the Los Angeles area stadium, Mayor James Butts stated the city has minimal homelessness, with last year’s count showing under 400 individuals, about one-third living on streets. However, Los Angeles County has secured three motel sites ranging from 54 to 104 rooms for homeless services.
The varying approaches reflect broader challenges cities face in addressing homelessness while preparing for international events. Some individuals resist shelter rules, lack documentation for permanent housing, or face complex mental health and substance abuse challenges that complicate assistance efforts.
Tommy Elam, homeless since early 2020, reported being on multiple housing lists without results, partly due to repeated phone thefts making him difficult to contact. Willie Jackson, formerly homeless and now in supportive housing, expressed skepticism about lasting change after the World Cup concludes.
As the tournament approaches, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains mixed, with some cities achieving substantial reductions in visible homelessness while others struggle to meet ambitious targets.
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